Compulsive gambling is a recognized addiction, just like alcoholism or chemical dependency. Follow these steps to see if you might fit the profile. Recognize the signs of compulsive gambling with this guide from Howcast.

You Will Need * A willingness to evaluate yourself * Honesty

Step 1: Recognize the number one red flagRecognize the number one red flag, which is that you are taking valuable time away from your job and your family to gamble.

Step 2: Evaluate your financial situationEvaluate your financial situation. Are you borrowing or even stealing money in order to gamble? Has your gambling resulted in bounced checks and credit card debt?

Step 3: Uncover hidden meaningsUncover the hidden meanings of your actions. If you're secretive about your gambling or if you lie about it, you are tacitly acknowledging that you have a problem. If you've tried to cut back or quit, you know that you do.

Step 4: Assess your feelingsAssess your feelings. Do you feel guilty and remorseful after you gamble? Do you gamble to distract yourself from problems or to relieve anxiety – the way someone else might rely on drugs or alcohol?

Step 5: Face escalating behaviorLook back on your gambling history. Do you have to keep increasing the amounts you bet in order to achieve the same high?

Step 8: Get helpIf any of the preceding descriptions apply to you, get help for your addiction – before you lose your family, your friends, your job, your financial security, and maybe even your freedom.

Step 6: Ask yourselfAsk yourself if you fit the profile casinos use to scope out problem gamblers: They play longer than three hours, are prone to outbursts, and make frequent trips to the ATM machine.